EP4663837A1

EP4663837A1 - A washing machine comprising a baffle

Info

Publication number: EP4663837A1
Application number: EP25173273.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Mehmet Ozbek; Emre SAGLICAN; Gizem COSKUN; Mert Cil; Bugra DEDA
Original assignee: Arcelik AS
Current assignee: Arcelik AS
Priority date: 2024-06-14
Filing date: 2025-04-29
Publication date: 2025-12-17

Abstract

The present invention relates to a washing machine (1) comprising a tub (2) wherein the washing water is taken; a drum (3) which is disposed in the tub (2); a motor (4) which enables the drum (3) to be rotated in the tub (2) in at least two directions, clockwise and counterclockwise; at least one opening (5) which is provided on the drum (3); at least one baffle (6) which is fixed to the drum (3); at least one chamber (7) which is provided in the baffle (6) and wherein the water entering through the opening (5) fills; and at least one outlet (8) which is provided on the baffle (6) and which enables the water in the chamber (7) to flow into the drum (3).

Description

The present invention relates to a washing machine comprising a baffle which increases the washing efficiency.
In washing machines, the laundry is washed in a drum which is rotated in a tub wherein the water and the detergent are taken. The performance of the washing process is directly related to the amount of detergent dissolved in the water and the mechanical force which increases the penetration of the detergent water into the laundry. Therefore, manufacturers develop various solutions to increase the amount of detergent dissolved in the water and the amount of detergent penetrating the laundry. One of these solutions is to increase both the circulation inducing dissolution and the amount of detergent penetrating the laundry by means of a jet system which transfers the detergent-water mixture taken from the bottom of the tub back onto the laundry from the top of the tub. However, this is a high-cost and difficult-to-implement solution due to the use of an additional motor and pump and the need for a specially designed control algorithm. Moreover, in the state of the art, there are various scoop structures which enable the water in the tub to be taken back into the tub along with the rotation of the drum. However, the said structures are inefficient at low washing water temperatures and low drum speed, and make a very low contribution to the washing performance, for example, in the washing programs for washing delicate laundry. Therefore, there is a need for a washing machine which ensures that the detergent is efficiently dissolved and penetrates the laundry even at low temperatures and low drum speeds.
In the state of the art European Patent No. EP3138946B1 , a washing machine is disclosed, having scoop structures formed on the drum. This embodiment causes difficulty in production and high cost due to the formation of the scoop and the opening on the metal drum. Furthermore, the said structure is not suitable for mixing the water in the tub.
In the state of the art American Patent Application No. US3201958A , a structure having scoops configured to take water in both directions of rotation of the drum is disclosed, which is not suitable for increasing the amount of detergent penetrating the laundry.
The aim of the present invention is the realization of a washing machine having a baffle which effectively increases the amount of detergent dissolved in the washing water and penetrating the laundry.
The washing machine realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, comprises a body; a tub which is disposed in the body and wherein the washing water and the detergent are taken; a drum which is disposed in the tub and which is rotated around a horizontal or largely horizontal rotation axis by means of a motor; a baffle which is fixed on the drum and which enables the laundry in the drum to be tumbled; a hollow chamber which is provided in the baffle; a plurality of outlets which are provided on the baffle and which ensures the liquid passage between the chamber and the drum; at least one opening which is provided on the drum; at least one scoop which is provided on the baffle, which extends towards the outside of the drum through the opening and which has an orifice opening clockwise or counterclockwise so as to enable the water between the tub and the drum to be taken into the baffle in a single rotation direction of the drum on the horizontal axis; and at least one mixer which is disposed on the baffle and which forms an extension towards the inside of the tub at the back side of the scoop so as not to block the orifice. When the drum is rotated in the direction of rotation where the water is taken into the chamber by means of the scoop, first the scoop dives into the water and starts the water flow into the chamber, and then the mixer positioned behind the scoop dives into the water so as to create a flow irregularity behind the scoop and accelerate the flow from the front of the scoop to the back thereof. Thus, by being positioned just behind the scoop, the mixer, in addition to the agitating effect thereof, enables the water to flow faster through the orifice and more water to enter the chamber, advantageously increasing the amount of water poured from the outlets onto the laundry. In the case where the drum is rotated to face the opposite direction of the rotation of the orifice, in the direction where no water is taken into the chamber, the mixer dives into the water first and acts as a barrier against which the water hits, thus agitating the water in the tub. Since the orifice of the scoop, which dives into the water after the mixer, faces the opposite direction of rotation, no water is taken into the chamber in this direction, and thus, all the washing water is effectively agitated without lowering the water level in the tub, and the detergent is mixed homogeneously into all the washing water.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the baffle comprises a lower baffle part whereon the outlets are positioned and an upper baffle part whereon the mixer and the scoop are disposed, and the volume between the upper baffle part and the lower baffle part, which are fixed to each other, defines the chamber. The baffle is mounted by fixing the lower baffle part to the drum and the upper baffle part to the lower baffle part. Since the scoop is disposed in the opening during the attachment of the lower baffle part to the drum, the scoop is also enabled to act as a centering member for the lower baffle part. Moreover, in this embodiment, since the mixer and the scoop are integral with the lower baffle part, which is preferably manufactured from a lower cost material compared to the upper baffle part, savings in mold and material costs are also provided. Thus, in addition to ease of assembly and production, cost advantage is also obtained.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the mixer is in the form of a plate extending along the opening on the drum and extends perpendicularly to the drum, from the front of the drum to the back thereof. Thus, the surface area of the mixer and the effectiveness of the mixer in agitating the water between the tub and the drum are improved.
In another embodiment of the present invention, on the baffle, at least one beam is disposed, extending perpendicularly from the mixer towards the scoop. The beam form recesses, which are partially separated from each other, between the scoop and the mixer so as to create vortex regions at least partially separated from each other behind the scoop, thus ensuring that the flow around the scoop is accelerated even more.
In another embodiment of the present invention, on the drum, there are at least two separate openings, wherein the scoop and at least one mixer on the same baffle are placed so as to extend into the volume between the tub and the drum. The second opening ensures that the scoop and the mixer are placed at a greater distance from each other so as to increase the flow irregularity regions. In a preferred version of this embodiment, there are two mixers, one of which extends towards the tub from the same opening as the scoop so as to be behind the scoop and adjacent to the scoop, and the second one extending towards the tub through a second opening on the drum at a distance from the first opening. Thus, the two mixers behind the scoop orifice are spaced from each other in accordance with the drum rotation speeds such that the vortex effect is increased and both the dissolution efficiency and the water intake into the baffle are increased.
In another embodiment of the present invention, on the drum, there is a groove which extends along the opening on one side of the opening and which is formed by collapsing the drum inward. This embodiment is especially advantageous in the washing machines where the distance between the drum and the tub is low, and the groove increases the strength of the drum at the opening region so as to eliminate the deformation which may occur over time around the opening and prevent the scoop and the mixer from losing their correct position over time and rubbing against the tub.
In another embodiment of the present invention, inside the orifice, there are a plurality of walls which are arranged at a distance from each other so as to form a protrusion towards the opening. The walls define flow channels which are at least partially separated from each other such that the water taken through the orifice is carried into the chamber as separate flows. This embodiment is advantageous in that the water taken through the orifice is distributed in every direction within the chamber volume.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the walls are structured in a curved form so as to enable the water taken through the orifice to hit the same and change direction. Thus, the walls are enabled to distribute the water evenly throughout the chamber volume.
In another embodiment of the present invention, on the baffle, there are a plurality of guiding members which are positioned behind the walls from the orifice towards the chamber and which ensure that the direction of the water guided by the walls is changed by hitting the same. The guiding member changes the direction of the water guided by the walls so as to slow down the flow inside the baffle, thus ensuring that the water is distributed more homogeneously in the chamber volume and the dissolution of the detergent is induced while the drum is rotated in the direction of water intake into the baffle.
In another embodiment of the present invention, both the walls and the baffles have a curved form, and the curve of the guiding members is in the opposite direction to the curve of the walls. Thus, after some of the water entering through the orifice is directed to one side by the walls, the direction thereof is changed again by the guiding members. Consequently, the flow inside the baffle is slowed down even more and the dissolution efficiency of the detergent is increased.
In another embodiment of the present invention, between each two adjacent outlets, there are a plurality of extensions which form a protrusion towards the chamber. The extensions ensures that an equal amount of water flows through each hole in the raised position of the baffle where the outlets at least partially face downwards, thus improving the distribution of the detergent-water mixture in the drum.
In another embodiment of the present invention, on the rear wall of the drum, there are three flanges and there are three baffles, each of which is aligned with a flange so as to remain on the same horizontal plane with each flange. By means of the alignment of the baffles with the flange, unbalanced load formation in the drum due to the change in the amount of water held in the baffles depending on the position of the drum is prevented, and the weight of the water carried in the baffles is balanced thanks to the flanges.
In another embodiment of the present invention, there is a temperature sensor which enables the temperature of the water between the tub and the drum to be measured and a heater which provides the heating of the said water, and a control unit is configured to operate the heater such that the temperature of the water in the tub does not exceed a limit temperature value predetermined by the manufacturer during at least one washing process. The heater is operated at intervals by being turned on and off such that the temperature of the washing water does not exceed the limit temperature value in at least one washing program of the washing machine. Thanks to the improved washing performance by means of the baffle having the mixer and the scoop, the need for heating the washing water to effectively remove dirt is reduced, where the embodiment is advantageous in that an optimum balance is provided between the cleaning performance and the energy efficiency.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the limit temperature value is determined as 30°C, and the control unit controls the heater such that the water temperature in the drum does not exceed 30°C during at least one predefined washing program. The temperature of 30°C provides the optimum balance between high cleaning performance and low energy consumption.
By means of the present invention, a washing machine is realized, wherein the dissolution rate of the detergent in the water is improved and the amount of detergent penetrating the laundry is increased. By means of the baffle structure having the mixer and the scoop at the same time, it is ensured that the amount of detergent dissolved in the water even at low drum speeds and low temperatures and the amount of detergent water poured onto the laundry from above through the baffles in unit time are increased. This embodiment also provides ease of production and cost advantage by means of the structuring of the scoop and the mixer directly on the baffle.
The washing machine realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where:

Figure 1 - is the schematic view of the washing machine related to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 - is the top view of the baffle on the drum related to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 - is the bottom view of the baffle on the drum related to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 - is the partial view of the drum and the baffle related to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 - is the exploded view of the baffle related to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 - is the top view of the interior of the upper baffle part related to another embodiment of the present invention.

The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:

1.: Washing machine
2.: Tub
3.: Drum
4.: Motor
5.: Opening
6.: Baffle
61.: Upper baffle part
62.: Lower baffle part
7.: Chamber
8.: Outlet
9.: Orifice
10.: Scoop
11.: Mixer
12.: Beam
13.: Groove
14.: Wall
15.: Guiding member
16.: Extension
17.: Heater
18.: Control unit

The washing machine (1) comprises a tub (2) wherein the washing water is taken; a drum (3) which is disposed in the tub (2); a motor (4) which enables the drum (3) to be rotated in the tub (2) in at least two directions, clockwise and counterclockwise; at least one opening (5) which is provided on the drum (3); at least one baffle (6) which is fixed to the drum (3); at least one chamber (7) which is provided in the baffle (6) and wherein the water entering through the opening (5) fills; and at least one outlet (8) which is provided on the baffle (6) and which enables the water in the chamber (7) to flow into the drum (3). At the beginning of the washing program, water and detergent are taken into the tub (2), and during the washing program, the drum (3) wherein the laundry is loaded is rotated at least partially around a horizontal axis in the tub (2) clockwise and counterclockwise by means of the motor (4). The baffle (6) fixed to the drum (3) moves the laundry in the rotating drum (4) so as to enable the same to be immersed in and removed from the water-detergent mixture in the tub (2), thus washing the laundry by both mechanical and chemical effects.
The washing machine (1) of the present invention comprises at least one scoop (10) which is provided on the baffle (6), which extends towards the outside of the drum (3) through the opening (5) and which has an orifice (9) facing one side of the opening (5) so as to enable the water to be taken from the tub (2) into the chamber (7) only in one of the rotational directions of the drum (3), which are clockwise and counterclockwise; and at least one mixer (11) which is disposed on the baffle (6), which is in the form of a protrusion extending towards the tub (2) and which is positioned behind the orifice (9) so as to be immersed into the water after the orifice (9) in the direction of rotation where the water is taken into the chamber (7) by means of the scoop (10). The scoop (10) and the mixer (11) are in a single piece with the baffle (6) and extend through the opening (5) to the volume remaining between the tub (2) and the drum (3), wherein the washing water fills. The scoop (10) is in the form of a channel extending from the outside of the drum (3) into the chamber (7), having an orifice (9) opening to one side of the opening (5) so as to take the water only in one of the rotational directions of the drum (3), which are clockwise and counterclockwise. The mixer (11) is in the form of an elongated barrier which extends towards the tub (2) on the side that the orifice (9) does not face behind the scoop (10). Thus, on the baffle (6), a scoop (10) positioned close to one lateral edge of the baffle (6) and a mixer (11) positioned closer to the other side of the baffle (6) than the scoop (10) are provided. While the drum (3) is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise in the direction where the water is taken into the baffle (6) by means of the scoop (10), the scoop (10) dives into the water before the mixer (11) so as to ensure that the water in the tub (2) starts to fill into the chamber (7) directly without any obstacles. By immersing the mixer (11) into the water after the scoop (10), the flow is not prevented at the first intake when the water starts to flow through the orifice (9) into the chamber (7), and with the continuation of the rotational movement of the drum (3) in this direction, after the water flow through the orifice (9) starts, a vortex effect is generated behind the scoop (10) as the mixer (11) dives into the water such that the flow of the water around the scoop (10) and the flow through the orifice (9) into the chamber (7) are accelerated. Thus, the water in the tub (2) is enabled to fill into the chamber (7) faster. In the case where the drum (3) is rotated in the other direction, in other words, rotated in the opposite direction so that no water is taken into the chamber (7), the mixer (11) dives into the water before the scoop (10) and ensures that the water hitting the same forms an irregular flow in the tub (2). The irregular flow induces the raising of the detergent accumulated under the tub (2) and the dissolution thereof in the water, thus increasing the amount of dissolution. Since there is no water filling into the baffle (6) in this direction, the water level in the tub (2) does not drop, and especially in the washing programs where the washing water is cold and in a low amount, the concentration is prevented from approaching the saturation point quickly and the detergent is enabled to dissolve homogeneously in all the washing water. Thus, by rotating the drum (3) in opposite directions, a washing machine (1) is realized, having a baffle (6) which ensures that the dissolution rate of the detergent is increased and a sufficient amount of high-concentration water-detergent solution is collected to be delivered onto the laundry. Consequently, the amount of detergent-water mixture poured from above onto the laundry in the drum (3) per unit time and the concentration of the detergent in the water are effectively increased, reducing the amount of mechanical movement and detergent required for cleaning.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the baffle (6) has an upper baffle part (61) whereon the outlet (8) is arranged, and a lower baffle part (62) whereon the mixer (11) and the scoop (10) are positioned and which is fixed to the upper baffle part (61) to define the chamber (7) together with the upper baffle part (61). The baffle (6) is formed by attaching the upper baffle part (61) and the lower baffle part (62) to each other, and the volume surrounded by the lower and upper baffle parts (61, 62) defines the chamber (7). The mixer (11) and the scoop (10) are manufactured as a single piece with the lower baffle part (62), and by attaching the lower baffle part (62) to the drum (3), the scoop (10) and the mixer (11) are placed into the relevant opening (5) or openings (5). By structuring the mixer (11) and the scoop (10) on the half part forming the base of the baffle (6), ease of placement and assembly is achieved. This embodiment also enables the production of the lower baffle part (62) together with the mixer (11) and the scoop (10) from a low cost and easy-to-shape material, such as plastic, without requiring additional mold costs.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the mixer (11) is in the form of a plate extending almost along the opening (5) from the front of the drum (3) to the back thereof. The mixer (11) is in the form of a flat plate the large surface area of which extends along the opening (5) in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the drum (3). Thus, the surface area of the mixer (11) is ensured to be high such that the mixing efficiency is increased.
In another embodiment of the present invention, at least one beam (12) extends between the mixer (11) and the scoop (10). The beam (12) is in the form of a rib which protrudes towards the tub (2) between the mixer (11) and the scoop (10). In a preferred version of this embodiment, a plurality of ribs positioned at a distance from each other extend between the mixer (11) and the scoop (10). The ribs form recessed cells between the mixer (11) and the scoop (10) so as to increase the vortex effect. The ribs also provide support to and increase the strength of the mixer (11) in the case where the lower baffle part (62) and hence the mixer (11) are shaped from low hardness plastic material.
In another embodiment of the present invention, on the drum (3), there are at least two openings (5), and the scoop (10) and the mixer (11) extend through different openings (5) towards the tub (2). On the drum (3), there are two openings (5) which are apart from each other at a distance almost equal to the width of a baffle (6) so as to remain under the baffle (6). The scoop (10) and at least one mixer (11) protrude through the said openings (5) towards the tub (2) when the baffle (6) is attached to the drum (3). Thus, the distance between the scoop (10) and the mixer (11) is increased, and the irregular flow effect between the mixer (11) and the scoop (10) is improved, in particular at high rotational speeds of the drum (3). In a preferred version of this embodiment, there are two mixers (11) disposed on the baffle (6), wherein one of the mixers (11) is placed almost adjacent to the scoop (10) through the same opening (5) as the mixer (11), and the other is placed through the second opening (5) at a distance from the scoop (10). Thus, the mixer (11) is enabled to make the flow highly irregular at all rotational speeds of the drum (3).
In another embodiment of the present invention, at least one groove (13) is arranged on the drum (3) so as to form a recess into the drum (3) and to extend along the opening (5) next to the opening (5). The groove (13) is in the form of a recess into the tub (2), which is shaped on the drum (3) manufactured from sheet metal. The groove (13) increases the strength around the opening (5) where the strength of the drum (3) is lower and prevents the shape deformations that may occur over time.
In another embodiment of the present invention, in the orifice (9), there are a plurality of walls (14) which are positioned at a distance from each other so as to define a plurality of channels at least partially separated from each other. The walls (14) are in the form of protrusions extending from the edge of the scoop (10), where the orifice (9) is positioned, towards the opening (5). Thus, the water is enabled to pass through the orifice (9) via the channels remaining between the walls (14) so as to flow into the baffle (6). Consequently, the water is enabled to flow into the chamber (7) more homogeneously.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the walls (14) have a curved form. The walls (14) are structured in a curved form such that at least some of the water entering through the orifice (9) hits the same and changes direction at least partially. Thus, the water is enabled to be directed towards the edge parts where the water reaches later in the chamber (7). The walls (14) are structured in an arc form, in particular, so as not to block the flow of water while being directed into the chamber (7).
In another embodiment of the present invention, there are a plurality of guiding members (15) which are positioned behind the walls (14) in the direction of the water flow through the orifice (9) to the chamber (7) and which are hit by the water coming through the orifice (9). The guiding member (15) is positioned on the baffle (6) so as to remain just behind the wall (14). Some of the water passing by the wall (14) hits the guiding member (15) and changes direction at least partially. Thus, it is ensured that some of the water collected from the orifice (9) by means of the scoop (10) changes direction at least twice while flowing towards the chamber (7). Consequently, both the distribution of the water into the chamber (7) is improved and the solubility of the detergent is increased by creating a mixing effect in the baffle (6) when the drum (3) is rotated in the direction where the water is taken into the baffle (6). Thus, the mixing effect is provided in both rotation directions of the drum (3).
In another embodiment of the preset invention, the guiding members (15) have a curved form in the opposite direction with respect to the walls (14) so as to change the direction of the water directed by the walls (14). The concave sides of the wall (14) and the guiding member (15) face opposite directions. Thus, some water which is not directed by the wall (14) is guided in the opposite direction in the chamber (7) by means the guiding member (15). This embodiment is advantageous in that the mixing efficiency is improved and the homogeneous distribution of the water is achieved in the chamber (7).
In another embodiment of the present invention, between each two adjacent outlets (8), there are a plurality of extensions (16) which extend into the chamber (7). The outlets (8) are in the form of holes arranged at a distance from each other on the baffle (6), and a plurality of extensions (16) are provided between the neighboring holes, which protrude into the baffle (6), hence, towards the chamber (7). The extensions (16) ensure that partially separated volumes are formed in the chamber (7) where the water directed towards the outlets (8) is at least partially retained when the baffle (6) filled with water reaches an upper position with the rotation of the drum (3).
In another embodiment of the present invention, there are three flanges which extend on the rear wall of the drum (3) and three baffles (6) which are positioned on the side wall of the drum (3) such that each is aligned with a flange. The flange is in the form of arms which extend from the center to the edge on the rear wall of the drum (3) and which reinforce the drum (3). The washing machine (1) has three baffles (6), and the baffles (6) are positioned such that each remains on the same vertical axis as each flange arm. Thus, by ensuring that the center of gravity of the baffles (6) is on the same vertical axis as the flanges, it is enabled to minimize the unbalanced load effect caused by the baffles (6) on the drum (3) when different amounts of water are held in the chamber (7).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine (1) comprises at least one heater (17) which is disposed in the tub (2) and which ensures the heating of the water in the tub (2); a temperature sensor which is configured to measure the temperature of the water in the tub (2); and a control unit (18) which enables the heater (17) to be operated at intervals according to the data received from the temperature sensor such that the temperature of the washing water does not exceed a predefined limit temperature value throughout the washing process. By means of the high detergent concentration provided by the baffle (6) in the washing machine (1) of the present invention and the high penetration of the detergent into the laundry, the need for increasing the temperature of the washing water for effective cleaning is greatly reduced, and at least one washing program predefined in the control unit (18) of the washing machine (1) is configured such that the temperature of the washing water does not exceed the limit temperature value determined by the manufacturer. The control unit (18) is configured to operate the heater (17) at intervals according to the washing water temperature data received from the sensor throughout the washing program such that the washing water temperature does not exceed the limit temperature value determined by the manufacturer.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the limit temperature value is determined as 30°C. The temperature of 30°C is determined as the highest temperature value which ensures that the total operating time of the heater (17) is kept to a minimum and the average amount of detergent expected to be used in the washing program is quickly dissolved at the beginning of the washing process. The total energy consumption of the washing machine (1) is significantly decreased without compromising the dissolution efficiency of the excessive amount of detergent.
By means of the present invention, a washing machine (1) is realized, which enables the detergent to penetrate the laundry quickly and effectively. Thus, the washing machine (1) is enabled to provide effective cleaning performance even at low drum (3) speeds and low temperatures, and the water and energy consumption of the washing machine (1) is reduced.

Claims

A washing machine (1) comprising a tub (2) wherein the washing water is taken; a drum (3) which is disposed in the tub (2); a motor (4) which enables the drum (3) to be rotated in the tub (2) in at least two directions, clockwise and counterclockwise; at least one opening (5) which is provided on the drum (3); at least one baffle (6) which is fixed to the drum (3); at least one chamber (7) which is provided in the baffle (6) and wherein the water entering through the opening (5) fills; and at least one outlet (8) which is provided on the baffle (6) and which enables the water in the chamber (7) to flow into the drum (3), characterized by at least one scoop (10) which is provided on the baffle (6), which extends towards the outside of the drum (3) through the opening (5) and which has an orifice (9) facing one side of the opening (5) so as to enable the water to be taken from the tub (2) into the chamber (7) only in one of the rotational directions of the drum (3), which are clockwise and counterclockwise; and at least one mixer (11) which is disposed on the baffle (6), which is in the form of a protrusion extending towards the tub (2) and which is positioned behind the orifice (9) so as to be immersed into the water after the orifice (9) in the direction of rotation where the water is taken into the chamber (7) by means of the scoop (10).
A washing machine (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the baffle (6) having an upper baffle part (61) whereon the outlet (8) is arranged, and a lower baffle part (62) whereon the mixer (11) and the scoop (10) are positioned and which is fixed to the upper baffle part (61) to define the chamber (7) together with the upper baffle part (61).
A washing machine (1) as in Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterized by the mixer (11) which is in the form of a plate extending almost along the opening (5) from the front of the drum (3) to the back thereof.
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by at least one beam (12) which extends between the mixer (11) and the scoop (10).
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by at least two openings (5) which are provided on the drum (3), and the scoop (10) and the mixer (11) which extend through different openings (5) towards the tub (2).
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by at least one groove (13) which is arranged on the drum (3) so as to form a recess into the drum (3) and to extend along the opening (5) next to the opening (5).
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a plurality of walls (14) which are positioned in the orifice (9) at a distance from each other so as to define a plurality of channels at least partially separated from each other.
A washing machine (1) as in Claim 7, characterized by the walls (14) which have a curved form.
A washing machine (1) as in Claim 7 or Claim 8, characterized by a plurality of guiding members (15) which are positioned behind the walls (14) in the direction of the water flow through the orifice (9) to the chamber (7) and which are hit by the water coming through the orifice (9).
A washing machine (1) as in Claim 8 and Claim 9, characterized by the guiding members (15) which have a curved form in the opposite direction with respect to the walls (14) so as to change the direction of the water directed by the walls (14).
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a plurality of extensions (16) which are provided between each two adjacent outlets (8) and which extend into the chamber (7).
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by three flanges which extend on the rear wall of the drum (3) and three baffles (6) which are positioned on the side wall of the drum (3) such that each is aligned with a flange.
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by at least one heater (17) which is disposed in the tub (2) and which ensures the heating of the water in the tub (2); a temperature sensor which is configured to measure the temperature of the water in the tub (2); and a control unit (18) which enables the heater (17) to be operated at intervals according to the data received from the temperature sensor such that the temperature of the washing water does not exceed a predefined limit temperature value throughout the washing process.
A washing machine (1) as in Claim 13, characterized by the limit temperature value which is determined as 30°C.